Waihilau Falls

Access is difficult as you have to first make the trip to the Waipio Valley. You will then climb 1200' (366m) up the Muliwai trail on the opposite side of the valley, traverse a series of ridges and valleys, then descend into Waimanu Valley. It is a hard 9 mile one way hike. The alternative is to kayak from Waipio Valley west to Waimanu Valley, but winds are fickle along the north shore of the Big Island. Also, if you DO make it to the valley, you'll need a filtration system for drinking water as leptospirosis is possibly present in the water. You'll also need a camping permit. They're free, but you should make reservations. Call the Hawaii State Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221.Waimanu Falls consists of three impossibly tall and slender threads of white water veiling down a tremendous cliff covered in lush green vegetation. The wall of the amphitheater is approximately 2600' (792m) tall according to the USGS topographical maps of the area.